Changing new Vista computer to XP Home - question?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mary Fowler Leek
  • Start date Start date
M

Mary Fowler Leek

I want to disconnect the hard drive of a new VISTA computer, install a new
hard drive and install XP Home on it. I began this project in August but
hubby became ill and I'm just now getting back to it.

I realize I will need to install XP Drivers for the computer hardware;
Motherboard chipset and Graphics Card? Would there be any other drivers I
should be concerned about?

If I install the Graphics Card XP drivers, do I also need to install the
Intel chipset graphics drivers? Sorry to be so dense but I want to be
prepared to do it correctly the first go round.

I believe the chipset is the Intel G33 Express chipset. I went to the Intel
site and believe I have the correct drivers, I'm just not certain about
Intel graphics driver that is shown for that chipset, whether I need to
install it.

At what point do I point to the MB drivers? Will XP installation ask for
them during installation? If there's a chance I could blow up everything,
maybe I should see if I can hire the change done by a professional? :-)

The reason I want to switch out to XP is the fact I have some favored
software that might not run well on XP, plus a color laser printer with no
VISTA drivers that still has about 5000 pages of toner left in it. I'd like
to be able to use that.

The box I've settled on is the Gateway GM5478. I need more multitasking
strength. I'm not a gamer. I think this unit will probably give me the most
bang for my dollar right now. However, it comes pre installed with VISTA. I
looked at a VELOcity Micro unit that I could order with XP installed for
about the same price, but it is a dual core overclocked. I think it's
probably better designed for gamers.

Suggestions and advice appreciated. You guys and gals always come through
when I need help and I deeply appreciate your time and willingness to
assist.

Mary
 
I want to disconnect the hard drive of a new VISTA computer, install a new
hard drive and install XP Home on it. I began this project in August but
hubby became ill and I'm just now getting back to it.

I realize I will need to install XP Drivers for the computer hardware;
Motherboard chipset and Graphics Card? Would there be any other drivers I
should be concerned about?

If I install the Graphics Card XP drivers, do I also need to install the
Intel chipset graphics drivers? Sorry to be so dense but I want to be
prepared to do it correctly the first go round.

I believe the chipset is the Intel G33 Express chipset. I went to the Intel
site and believe I have the correct drivers, I'm just not certain about
Intel graphics driver that is shown for that chipset, whether I need to
install it.

At what point do I point to the MB drivers? Will XP installation ask for
them during installation? If there's a chance I could blow up everything,
maybe I should see if I can hire the change done by a professional? :-)

The reason I want to switch out to XP is the fact I have some favored
software that might not run well on XP, plus a color laser printer with no
VISTA drivers that still has about 5000 pages of toner left in it. I'd like
to be able to use that.

The box I've settled on is the Gateway GM5478. I need more multitasking
strength. I'm not a gamer. I think this unit will probably give me the most
bang for my dollar right now. However, it comes pre installed with VISTA. I
looked at a VELOcity Micro unit that I could order with XP installed for
about the same price, but it is a dual core overclocked. I think it's
probably better designed for gamers.

Suggestions and advice appreciated. You guys and gals always come through
when I need help and I deeply appreciate your time and willingness to
assist.

Mary
Click to expand...

Any drivers built into XP are very limited. You should always get the
correct drivers from the computer/device manufacturer.

The process of installing XP is:

1) Install Xp from the install CD.

2) Install anti-virus and set up firewall.

3) Install all updated drivers available from the hardware
manufacturer's web site, including the video card driver, motherboard
drivers, sound card drivers and network adapter driver. Note:
Install the motherboard drivers before any others since these can/
would provide the drivers to access he "other" parts.

4) Do all the Windows Updates


Also, you need to note that this type of hardware change may void the
PC's warranty.
 
Mary

Do you have an existing copy of Windows XP Home Edition? If yes is it a
Retail or OEM version?

Have you enquired in a small computer assembly shop as to what they can
offer?

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Gerry,

Yes, I do own a retail package of XP Home that's never even been opened.

No, I haven't checked with a local computer shop about assisting me with the
OS change over. It would probably be a good idea.

I'm also considering purchasing a Velocity Micro system, where they will pre
install XP Pro for me. That would solve my dilemma over changing out the OS
but I'm not certain now whether I should go with a dual core or quad core
processor. I do very little video editing but do edit digital images with
Cs3 and Lightroom.

Mary
 
Mary

From a local computershop you might buy a complete system without
operating system. Just a thought.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
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